A Belizean mother’s quest for answers in her daughter’s violent death has moved one step forward, but the new confirmation of foul play has done little to heal her grief or bring closure to the case. On September 23, 2026, official autopsy results confirmed that 28-year-old Delisha Estrada’s death was a homicide, marking a critical development in the ongoing investigation into the double death that shook the Cayo District community.
The post-mortem examination concluded that Estrada died from blunt craniofacial trauma, an injury police say was inflicted by another person. Her body was discovered alongside that of her partner, Michael Williams, at a residence in Santa Elena. While Estrada’s cause of death has been confirmed, Williams’ death remains under further investigation. Initial autopsy findings show Williams died from severe pulmonary edema, but authorities are still waiting on toxicology results to pinpoint the exact cause of the fatal condition.
Delisha’s mother, Locett Vanega, has long maintained that her daughter did not die by suicide, a position she has held from the earliest days of the investigation. Speaking with local reporters after receiving the autopsy results, Vanega expressed that while the official ruling matches what she has believed all along, it has not eased the pain of losing her child. “I still not satisfied. Still can’t get closure. ‘Cause I know from the beginning they murder my daughter,” Vanega said.
In the wake of the tragedy, new details have emerged about the relationship between Estrada and Williams. Multiple relatives and neighbors told authorities that the couple had a long history of domestic abuse, a claim that has been confirmed by local police. Records show that Estrada had previously filed official reports against Williams with law enforcement, documenting the ongoing pattern of violence.
For Vanega, the grief of losing her daughter is compounded by the new responsibility of raising Delisha’s young son, who repeatedly asks where his mother is and what happened to her. Vanega described the daily struggle of answering the boy’s questions, saying “It’s so hard for us that we have to tell him every day when he asks for her, his mom. How can we tell him what happened to his mom?”
Despite her pain, Vanega says her only priority right now is ensuring her grandson grows up surrounded by love and support. There is nothing that can bring her daughter back, she acknowledges, but she remains committed to seeing the full investigation through to ensure justice for Delisha. “I just want the baby to have, like… I just want the baby surrounded with love. That’s all I need and I want right now. ‘Cause I can’t do nothing to bring back my daughter,” she added. As of press time, police have not announced any new arrests or charges in connection with Estrada’s homicide, and the investigation remains active.